Flora in Periyar National Park

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary possesses quite a rich and varied vegetation. The flora in Periyar National Park primarily consists of tropical evergreen forests (30,500 ha) and semi-evergreen forests (27,500 ha) around the tank. In the central part of the park, moist-deciduous forests and woody grasslands abound.

This National Park’s main flora comprises thick evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and savannah grasslands. In addition, the swampy areas along the periphery of the famous Periyar Lake (a result of the Periyar dam) are full of tall weeds, making the area one of the wealthiest dwelling places for large mammals.

The vast vegetation of the Periyar National Park offers excellent cover and nourishment in the form of juicy shoots and grass.

About 1,963 species of blossoming plants belonging to 823 genera and 159 families have been pointed out and recognized by the Kerala Forest Research Institute and Kerala Forest Department for Periyar National Park experts. The significant trees in the park include –

Teak
Rosewood
Terminalia
Eucalyptus
Sandalwood
Jacaranda(hardwood timber tree with purple flowers)
Bamboo among many others
Tamarind
Gulmohar
Plumeria
Banyan
Pipal
Mango
Jamun

The open grasslands harbor many species of tall and nourishing grasses, such as elephant grass, which second all kinds of herbivores, from elephants and gaurs to small wild boar and barking deer.

One of the major uniqueness of the flora in this wildlife sanctuary is the –

Climax forest

The sholas or tropical evergreen forests

These are available in the damp valleys of the majestic Western Ghats. The sholas are dense patches of forest, typified by tropical trees that go up to 130 feet high. Their thick grassy covers offer shelter and food to a considerable number of wild animals in Periyar. Therefore, you must visit this thrilling forest.

If you are planning to explore Periyar Flora, then you must check out our Periyar Tour packages.